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Manchester City Champions League Gamble

For the longest, FC Man City has been eyeing football's biggest Champions League Trophy. And it became more obvious after the arrival of Pep Guardiola, who is one of the best known Football Managers of the modern times. He has the past experience of lifting some of the biggest trophies in the world of football with FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich. 

His managing career at Man City started with a much awaited agenda to bring home the most prestigious football award. 

Pep’s second season in the club [city] was something extraordinary as he won the English Premier League [EPL] and other domestic trophies with extraordinary might and points, which made him special in the club's history. As a football manager, he won the hearts and trust of his owner, clubs and fans around the world. He is the king of football tactician. He was famous for Tiki-taka style of football and possession based games. For these, he has become one of the iconic best, respected and famed football managers not only in England but also in Spain and Germany. 

However, even with all his special tactics, FC Liverpool have been a constant threat to city pursuit of football ambition. It was both an opportunity and challenge for the players, manager, owner and fans to keep them afloat throughout the season. 

The recent exit of Man City in the hands of Real Madrid at Bernabeu was a heart breaking moment for the club, players, manager, owner, and fans around the world. The game of football is so unpredictable as it goes with 50 percent luck and another 50 percent teamwork and individual skills.

I have been an avid City fan for decades now and I have been watching and enjoying every single match they play both home and away. I even burn midnight candles to watch their late games. Because the City plays high pressing and beautiful games. I see football from different lenses and relate it to my everyday affairs and even to my professional growth. This ball game gives me a lot of life lessons –teamwork, management, commitment, dedication, resilience and respect. I also see the unity and power of football beyond the stadium. 

Let me share a few recent blunders Pep did for the city squad –putting such a heavy price tag for Grealish was unnecessary. He cannot fit well in the city team because of the difference in his play style and tactics. Another gamble city overcame was avoiding Harry Kane, it was a good decision for not finally balling this English man. There are other young and versatile players who can change the city squad. I have a big reservation for Erling Haaland and Pogba. I go for Declan Rice over Pogba.

If Man City and Pep want to win Europe’s glorious Trophy, they need to look for a good striker, winger and defence. There are different ways and opportunities to win the trophies. I also have some straight reservations for first choice goalkeeper –Ederson. I have not seen Ederson making a single save from the penalty spot and some critical saves. Pep needs to do some serious homework in these areas should he want to grip his hand on the Champions League Trophy. 

I have always liked the face of City ace Kelvin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva. These are the players I have always admired for their skills and vision, commitment and energy, teamwork and dedication. Perhaps, putting up Jesus as a bargaining chip to bring in some good winger, or striker would be a good move for city's pursuit to Champions League and in domestic glory. 

However, one thing I disliked about Pep in recent exit from the Champions League at Madrid was something crazy and uneasy for the football fans around the world. Pep's excitement to improve the defence line by introducing Fernandinho over Mahrez has cost him so much. The big player like KDB shouldn't have been substituted. Instead he should have controlled the game with these players instead of making a crazy substitution and a different game plan. Therefore, City should refresh the depth of their squad, not just going blind with big signings. 

I hope they [City] can crown champions of English League for 2021-2022. 

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